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How to get fromIowa to Californiaby plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, or car

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There are 8 ways to get from Iowa to California by plane, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), bus, train, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Des Moines to Los Angeles International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DSM - LAX
    4h 59m
    $116–316

  2. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Las Vegas Bus Terminalbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Las Vegas Bus Terminal to Los Angeles Union Station Arrivalsbus bus
    36h 5m
    $298–475

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Des Moines to Kansas Citybus bus Jefferson Lines 803 / ...
    2. Take the train from Kansas City to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief
    40h 50m
    $1,003–1,672

  4. Drive  1,682.7 mi

    1. Drive from Des Moines to Los Angelescar car 1,682.7 mi
    26h 3m
    $278–402

  5. Fly Des Moines to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    1. Fly from Des Moines (DSM) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DSM - SNA
    6h 12m
    $143–627

  6. Fly Omaha to San Diego International Airport

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane OMA - SAN
    6h 48m
    $145–438

  7. Fly Omaha to San Francisco International Airport

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane OMA - SFO
    7h 26m
    $124–357

  8. Fly Omaha to Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Omaha (OMA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane OMA - LAX
    7h 22m
    $180–386

Iowa to California by bus, foot, and train

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration40h 50mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,003Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Iowa to California.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,466.4 mi
  • Duration: 4h 59m

What companies run services between Iowa, USA and California, USA?

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and three other airlines fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Des Moines to Los Angeles Union Station Arrivals via Des Moines, Denver Union Station, and Las Vegas Bus Terminal in around 36h 5m.

Airlines
Train operators
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Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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Need to know: Greyhound

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